Post-Surgery Health Decline: Symptoms and Next Steps

After the surgery, my father's health has deteriorated significantly?

My father is currently 53 years old and has been smoking for at least 30 years.
He does not drink alcohol and occasionally chews betel nut.
He has obstructive sleep apnea and underwent extensive surgery in May of this year.
Before the surgery, he was already prone to drowsiness, sometimes to the extent of dozing off while driving.
I thought that after the surgery, he would return to his normal state, but it seems there has been little change; he still easily falls asleep and has become very slow to react.
He reports significant blurriness in his vision, poor memory, and often needs to hear questions three times or more before he can respond.
His sense of taste seems altered, as everything he eats tastes sweet, and he has developed a strong aversion to cold.
Despite the hot weather, he refuses to turn on the fan and sleeps under a blanket, which worries me greatly.
I am unsure how to help him or which specialist to consult.
His blood test results before the surgery indicated elevated cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels, specifically 354 mg/dL and 6.1%.
His height and weight are 172 cm and 81 kg, but he has recently lost his appetite and now weighs only 76 kg.
Thank you for your thoughtful response.

Mei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/14

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, it is essential to return to the outpatient clinic of the primary surgeon for follow-up after surgery.
Any concerns should be discussed and evaluated with the attending physician, who will determine if a referral to another subspecialty is necessary.
Chronic diseases should also be well managed.
Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/06/14

More Info

It sounds like your father is experiencing a range of concerning symptoms following his surgery, and it's understandable that you're worried about his health. Given his history of sleep apnea, smoking, and recent surgery, there are several factors that could be contributing to his current condition.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that surgery, especially major procedures, can have a significant impact on a person's overall health and recovery. Post-operative fatigue and cognitive changes, such as memory issues and slowed reaction times, can occur due to a variety of reasons, including anesthesia effects, pain medications, and the body's natural healing process. However, the persistence of these symptoms, especially if they worsen, warrants further investigation.

The symptoms you've described—excessive sleepiness, blurred vision, memory problems, and changes in taste and temperature sensitivity—could be indicative of several underlying issues. For example, sleep apnea can lead to chronic fatigue and cognitive impairment due to disrupted sleep patterns. If your father is still experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, such as loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep, it may be necessary to revisit his treatment plan for this condition.

Additionally, the elevated cholesterol and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels noted in his blood tests suggest that he may be at risk for cardiovascular issues and diabetes. These conditions can also contribute to fatigue, cognitive decline, and other systemic symptoms. It's crucial to manage these risk factors through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and possibly medication.

Given the complexity of his symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Primary Care Physician: Your father should see his primary care doctor to discuss his post-surgery symptoms in detail. This doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of his surgical history, current medications, and any other health issues.

2. Neurological Evaluation: If cognitive symptoms persist, a referral to a neurologist may be necessary to rule out any neurological conditions that could be contributing to his memory issues and cognitive decline.

3. Sleep Specialist: Since he has a history of sleep apnea, consulting a sleep specialist could help assess whether his current treatment is effective or if adjustments are needed.

4. Nutrition and Weight Management: Given his recent weight loss and elevated blood sugar levels, a consultation with a nutritionist or dietitian could be beneficial. They can help develop a meal plan that addresses his nutritional needs while managing his cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

5. Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with his healthcare providers are essential to monitor his symptoms and adjust treatment plans as necessary. This includes routine blood tests to keep track of his cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

6. Mental Health Support: If your father is feeling overwhelmed or anxious about his health, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Emotional well-being is an important aspect of recovery.

In summary, while some post-operative symptoms can be expected, the persistence and severity of your father's symptoms suggest that further medical evaluation is necessary. By taking proactive steps and seeking the appropriate medical care, you can help him navigate this challenging time and work towards improving his overall health and quality of life.

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